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For many families, pets are considered to be another family member. For families with kids, many even grow up with their pets. While we don’t have a pet, my three kids have grown up with my parent’s dog. Scooby came around the same time as my 9 year old and has always been there for my kids. When they were babies, he’d sit and ‘guard’ the playpen and alert us if the baby was crying or climbing. He has also sat in front of the top stairs to guard the kids from going downstairs. My kids don’t know of life without Scooby and honestly I fear the conversation we will have to have one day when Scooby gets sick or passes away.

Patricia A. Brill, PhD, knows how hard those conversations can be with kids about pets they love. She has come out with a collection of books written to help parents start a conversation with their child regarding issues or concerns they may have with their pet. The Dog Tales Collection books help kids better understand what happens when their pet or a loved one has cancer; has to undergo surgery, has to stay overnight at the hospital, or even dies.

Each of the books is a paperback book that is an easy and quick read, not overwhelming for kids. It can easily be read at bedtime or whenever your kids need them. I found that the issues the dogs face are easily compared to adult issues. If you have an adult family member going through cancer, the book “Do Bad Dogs Get Cancer?” can easily be related to as far as an explanation. Sure there are differences but the general ideas are the same. The books don’t get overly technical either, just a few big words that they explain right away.

Do Bad Dogs Get Cancer?

The “Do Bad Dogs Get Cancer?” book is about helping children and young adults better understand what happens when a loved one, including their pet is diagnosed with cancer. This book allows the reader to identify with the situation; provides a better understanding of cancer and the ability to cope; understand that cancer is not contagious. This book uses reassuring words as a means for parents to have an open discussion and address children’s’ concerns regarding cancer.

Porsche Bella’s Forever Home

Porsche Bella’s Forever Home is a book written to help children see the importance of rescuing, fostering and/or adopting animals, thus giving them a second chance. We hope to encourage a new generation of animal rescuers.

The Road to Recovery is Paved with Dog Treats

The Road to recovery is Paved with dog Treats! was written to help children understand what happens when their pet has to have surgery, and reassures them that their pet will be safe and protected. Parents can use this book as a tool to start a conversation with their child regarding issues they may have about their pet. This book cal also be used to address concerns children have when friends or a loved on undergoes surgery.

Don’t Say Good Bye Just Say See You!

Grief and loss are normal feelings to have when a relative, friend, or pet dies. Don’t Say Good Bye Just Say See You! reassures a child that no matter how sad or angry they feel when they lose a relative, friend, or pet, in time their sadness will ease and they will be able to remember the happiness they shared. This book gives parents an opportunity to talk about death with their grieving child by addressing their feelings of sadness, anger, and guilt, and clarify any misconceptions they may have. Don’t Say Good Bye Just Say See You! brings a comforting perspective for children who are grieving the loss of their pet or loved one. Parents can use a pet that has died as a good reference point in the discussion of human death.

I feel the books are great for starter conversations as well. I know for me as a parent, it is very hard to find the right words to talk to my kids over certain issues. I have read all four of these books and am glad I have them on hand to get me started on tough conversations. Feelings and illnesses can be so hard for kids, but the author covers the topics in a way they can understand. The Dog Tales Collection would make a great gift for any parent or child.

For more information about The Dog Tales Collection, you can visit the website to check them out and order them. You can also check out Patricia Ann Brill’s Amazon page.

WIN IT: (1) US winner will receive The Dog Tales Collection books

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This Giveaway Ends December 16, 2016.